In a heartfelt and powerful ceremony at Gracie Mansion, Mayor Eric Adams hosted a Chanukah reception celebrating the Jewish community’s resilience, culture, and contributions to New York City.

The event, attended by religious leaders, community advocates, and students, underscored Mayor Adams’ unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering unity.

Deputy Chief of Staff Menashe Shapiro opened the evening, highlighting the importance of the city’s diversity: “Mayor Eric Adams demonstrates his unique devotion to the cultural mosaic that is New York City by welcoming each and every group of people that inhabit our great city.”

Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams for standing with the Jewish community, especially in challenging times: “Mayor Adams, in your last speech at Gracie Mansion, you stated an obvious truth… ‘America stands with Israel.’ We all appreciate his broad support, deeply, along with your moral clarity and vision to recognize it.”

Reflecting on the enduring significance of Chanukah, Consul General Akunis emphasized courage and optimism, particularly in the wake of recent tragic events:
“The lesson of Chanukah is eternal. Indeed, it is the same lesson of October 7th, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel… Israel never asked for this fight. Israel desperately seeks peace.”

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the first Jewish female NYPD commissioner, drew parallels between the historical struggles of the Jewish people and contemporary challenges:
“Chanukah is the story of Jews under attack… Then, as now, Am Yisrael Chai, the people of Israel live.” She praised Mayor Adams for his steadfast leadership:
“In times of darkness, leadership matters… Mayor Adams has shown both moral clarity and the courage that defines this holiday.”

Taking the stage, Mayor Eric Adams spoke passionately about the legacy of the Maccabees and the need to stand up against hate:
“Where are the Maccabees today? Who’s willing to stand up and fight for what is right? The symbol of the Maccabees is not only those of the Jewish faith, but it’s also those who the Jewish people have helped throughout the years.”

Emphasizing unity in diversity, Adams added:
“Let us stand tall and unite with other groups to say hate has no place in our city and in our country and on the entire globe. Eric Leroy Adams is a modern-day Maccabee.”

The event honored individuals and organizations making a difference, including Lizzy Savetsky for her social media activism, student leaders representing campus Jewish pride, and groups like Achiezer and Chazaq for their community support.

The evening concluded with a spirit of solidarity and hope, reminding New Yorkers that the lights of Chanukah symbolize resilience, courage, and the unwavering fight against hate.